LIMBLESS AMPHIBIAN FOUND IN KAZIRANGA FOR FIRST TIME
Why in the news?
A limbless amphibian known as the striped caecilian (Ichthyophis spp) has been newly discovered within the expansive confines of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, spanning 1,307.49 sq. km.
About Caecilians:
Caecilians, being limbless amphibians that predominantly inhabit subterranean burrows, are among the least studied amphibian species.
They represent ancient lineages critical to understanding evolution and intercontinental speciation, as emphasized by Kaziranga authorities.
Source: Indiantoday
About Kaziranga National Park:
Location: Situated in Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, India.
Establishment: Declared a national park in 1974.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized for its ecological significance.
Rhino Population: Home to two-thirds of the global population of greater one-horned rhinoceros.
Ecological Diversity: Encompasses the largest undisturbed area within the Brahmaputra Valley floodplains.
Vegetation: Features a diverse landscape comprising eastern wet alluvial grasslands, semi-evergreen forests, and tropical moist deciduous forests.
Ecosystem Diversity in Kaziranga:
The varied ecosystem of Kaziranga, encompassing flood plains, wetlands, grasslands, and peripheral hill tracts, provides an optimal habitat for diverse herpetofauna species.
The tiger reserve currently shelters 24 species of amphibians and 74 species of reptiles, including 21 out of India’s 29 species of tortoises and freshwater turtles.
India's No.1 PU & Degree With Integrated IAS & IPS(UPSC/PSC) Training College.
Source: Indiantoday
